Spain (1585-93)-A+ 4 reales
This specimen was lot 72216 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,020. The catalog description[1] noted, "SPAIN. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1585-93). Cuenca Mint. Philip II. PCGS Genuine--Damage, EF Details. An enticing example of this VERY RARE mint. Struck on a compact planchet, most of the outer legends are off-flan. The central devices, on the other hand, are mostly intact and pleasingly complete. The mintmark on the obverse is still identifiable though slightly muddled. Most fortunately, however, an additional clear mintmark is visible on the reverse outer legend along the top, a seldom-seen detail. The noted damage comes in the form of a few deep scratches on the reverse. While unsightly, these marks do not materially affect the designs. This handsome Cob presents a rare opportunity for collectors of the Spanish series. From the Pat Johnson Collection." This is the most common variety of a scarce mint. Other assayer marks include A (without the +), an ermine or a cross. Some are marked "C" for Cuenca, but not this one.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.73 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 13.38 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-3726, Cal-478.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, 2 volumes, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
- Calicó, Xavier, Numismática Española: Catálogo General con Precios de Todas las Monedas Españolas Acuñadas desde Los Reyes Católicos Hasta Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The November 2022 Collectors Choice Ancient & World Coins Auction, Featuring the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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